Team:Virginia/Attributions

Keith Kozminski, PhD - Team Advisor

Associate Professor of Biology, University of Virginia

As advisor of all things iGEM-related, Prof. Kozminski proved an invaluable source of information and aid at all hours of the day and night. We are eternally grateful for his support, and can only hope that a trip to Canada and a copious supply of banana bread demonstrate our appreciation.

Inchan Kwon, PhD - Team Advisor

Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia

As a source of consistent support through regular meetings and project discussions, we greatly appreciate Prof. Kwon’s work as an advisor.

Jason Papin, PhD - Team Advisor

Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia

As a source of invaluable computer modeling knowledge, we are truly thankful for Prof. Papin as an advisor. We appreciate his direction in both project development and analysis.

Matthew Giacalone, PhD - Minicell Formation

Vice President of Corporate Development and Research at Vaxiion Therapeutics

Dr. Giacalone guided our minicell formation and characterization teams with recommendations regarding FtsZ upregulation and IPTG induction.

Alison Criss, PhD - BioSafety and Protocol Development

Assistant Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia

Providing truly invaluable support and encouragement, Dr. Criss guided our project’s development as we first investigated minicells. As our research progressed, her advice regarding protocol development and her insight into bioethical considerations proved essential, and we are truly grateful for her support.

Vinod Jyothikumar - Imaging and Modeling

Keck Center for Cellular Imaging (KCCI)

With incredible knowledge regarding imaging techniques, Mr. Jyothikumar provided incredible insight regarding minicell visualization and quantification, as well as PSR quantification. We greatly appreciate his support.

Michael Wormington, PhD - Minicells as a Biological Chassis

Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Biology, University of Virginia

Prof. Wormington provided key feedback during the early stages of our project’s development. As he first suggested that we study minicell’s potential as a chassis rather than as vaccine mechanism, we are eternally grateful for his direction.

David Kittlesen, PhD - Immunology and Minicells

Lecturer of Biology and Director of Biology Summer Session, University of Virginia

We greatly appreciate Prof. Kittlesen’s insight into the immune system, particularly with regard to potential immune response to minicells.

Kay Christopher - Laboratory Manager

Upper Level Labs Preparator, University of Virginia

Mrs. Christopher graciously helped us secure our labspace, providing us with laboratory materials and checking that our equipment complied with all appropriate biosafety requirements.

Daniel Engel, PhD - Laboratory Support

Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia

Dr. Engel generously provided additional BSL-2 lab space, equipment, and resources necessary for our project.

Loren Erickson

Provided secondary antibodies.

Vinod Jyothikumar

Keck center microscope expert that advised the team on quantification of minicells.

Linda Columbus

Jessica Yoo's PI; helped with materials and gave general advice.